At a Glance

Come for a taste of island life! Tucked away on the Eastern Shore of Virginia is one of the most special places on the East Coast, evoking visions of coastal island charm and serving as a gateway to the second most visited wildlife refuge in the U.S. On Chincoteague Island, get to know the inhabitants, sample its famous seafood and learn about the dynamic beauty with the Museum of Chincoteague Island.

Activity Level

On Your Feet

Minimal walking and standing on this program.

Best of all, you'll ...

Meditate upon nature as you walk on part of the 37-mile-long beach on Assateague Island — the longest undeveloped beach in the mid-Atlantic — accompanied by an expert who teaches you about dune ecology.

Learn how these islands inspire the arts, as you enjoy an afternoon painting demonstration from an award-winning wildlife artist and an evening performance by local musicians who teach you sea chanties, old and new.

Explore restricted sections of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in search of ponies, Sika elk, waterfowl and migratory birds and learn about the island’s aquaculture industry while cruising local waters.

General Notes

You may be interested in a five-night version of this program (#2005).

Featured Expert

All Experts

Cindy Oehm

Cindy has been a Group Leader and lecturer at the Museum of Chincoteague Island's Road Scholar programs for many years. Raised on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, her knowledge of the region's natural and local history is encyclopedic. Her expertise runs the gamut from horseshoe crabs and wild ponies to pirates and the Civil War's impact on the Chincoteague region. Combined with her warm sense of humor, her vast knowledge assures Road Scholar participants of an informative and interesting experience.

Jenny Somers

Nancy Richards West

Cindy Oehm

Suggested Reading List

View 5 books

Seeds of Evidence

by Linda J. White

This recently published novel involves an FBI Special Agent on leave at her Grandmother's home on Chincoteague, who becomes involved in the investigation of the murder of a young Latino boy. Available at Sundial Books on Chincoteague (www.sundialbooks.net).

Assateague/Chincoteague Seashore Life

by James Kavanagh

Perfect compact guide to over 140 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and seashore life in this region. Available on Chincoteague at Sundial Books (www.sundialbooks.com).

A Natural History of Quiet Waters

by Curtis J. Badger

This is a wonderfully well-written, easy to understand description of the swamps and wetlands of the East Coast and their importance to our environment, history and culture. It is written from the perspective of someone who has experienced them first hand. Available on Chincoteague at Sundial Books (www.sundialbooks.net)

Misty of Chincoteague

by Marguerite Henry

A Newberry Honor book, for children 8 - 12 years old. This is the story of Paul and Maureen Beebe and their quest to buy the elusive Phantom, a wild Chincoteague pony. On Pony Penning Day, they not only bring in the Phantom, but also her colt, Misty. It is a wonderful heart-warming tale of the efforts of two children to achieve their dream..

Chincoteague and Assateague Islands (MD and VA) (images of America)

by Nan Devincent-Hays

This book provides a short pictorial and narrative description of these two barrier islands, their history and relationship. One is a small town community catering to thousands of tourists who come almost year-round to enjoy the beach and view the wildlife on the other. Available on Chincoteague at Sundial Books (www.sundialbooks.net).

Dinner: Dinner is at 5:30 p.m. For your dining pleasure, this program includes "A Taste of Island" We will be dining each evening at a different island venue, each known for its local cuisine and friendly service.

Evening: Your group leader, Cindy Faith-Oehm, will have you introduce yourselves and provide additional program information. Then she will tell you about the famous Chincoteague pony herd, from when they first landed on our shores to their current existence on Assateague. She will explain the care they receive from the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department and the mutual benefit reaped by the town.

DAY

2

Undeveloped Beach, Museum Visit, Island Cruise

Chincoteague Island, VA

B,L,D

Best Western Chincoteague Island

Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. Breakfast in the motel dining area.

Morning: We will travel around Chincoteague Island by bus as your group leader describes the island's historic sites. We will arrive at the Assateague National Seashore, at 37 miles the longest stretch of wild, undeveloped beach on the mid-Atlantic coast. As you take a walk on the sandy shore, listen to your guide discuss dune ecology. Explore and learn about the newly restored Assateague Lighthouse.

Lunch: We'll have a boxed lunch at the museum.

Afternoon: Our small island has an outstanding museum, rated by Trip Adviser as one of the top 5 attractions on Chincoteague. With your expert guide, explore the museum's exhibits including a rare 1st order Fresnel lighthouse lens, surprising shipwreck finds, handmade artifacts from the past, and much more. Uncover the unique 300-year old history of Chincoteague and Assateague as you learn how and why its resilient people survived and adapted despite isolation, storms, wars, and changing economies. Later in the afternoon, we'll take a cruise along the island's waterfront. A local expert will explain how the commercial waterfront has changed over the years and how modern aquaculture has changed the lives of local watermen.

Dinner: Dinner at 5:00 p.m. Dinner will be several courses of "small plates" featuring local seafood and paired with selected wines. Your meal will be prepared by a local chef using island heirloom recipes passed down from his grandmother.

Evening: Linger over dessert and socialize with new friends.

DAY

3

Wildlife Art, Wildlife Safari, Local Entertainment

Chincoteague Island, VA

B,L,D

Best Western Chincoteague Island

Breakfast: Breakfast at 8 a.m. in the motel dining area.

Morning: Explore the interior of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to look for wild ponies, petite Sika elk, nesting terrapin, otters, bald eagles, Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrels, and other wildlife. Jenny Somers, a local birding expert with over 30 years experience, will be our guide. We will be going into an area that is normally closed to the public, so be sure to bring your camera for this trip. Also carry along your binoculars if you have them. Visit the newly restored Assateague Lighthouse.

Lunch: Lunch at noon in a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Study the techniques of local wildlife artist Nancy West, who is internationally recognized for her sensitive interpretations of this beautiful coast. Through Power Point and an actual painting session, Nancy Richards-West will demonstrate how she captures the subtle patterns of color, light, and movement distinctive to the waterways, creatures, and skies of Chincoteague.

Dinner: Dinner at 5:30 p.m. at a local restaurant.

Evening: This evening's entertainment features "Three Sheets." This local trio will delight you with a performance of Celtic, nautical, and traditional music. They will entertain you with witty banter while teaching you about their songs and instruments.

DAY

4

Local Traditional Arts, Program Concludes

Chincoteague Island, VA

B

Breakfast: Breakfast at 8 a.m. in the motel dining area.

Morning: At the museum we’ll be joined by a local artisan who spins wool from Hog Island Sheep, the very breed of sheep that used to roam free on Assateague Island. This skilled artisan is the keeper of an important story: what life was like for the women on Assateague Island. The practice of spinning wool and knitting is a window into their lives. Our program will end after the morning demonstration at about 11:00 a.m..

Meals

8 Meals

3 Breakfasts

2 Lunches

3 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Kosher, Vegetarian

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Located less than a mile from the island of Assateague, the Chincoteague Wildlife Life Refuge, the Assateague National Park and next door to your host the Museum of Chincoteague Island. This award winning motel with its beautiful views of Assateague Island has well cared for grounds, wonderful amenities and oversize rooms. Breakfast is served daily and USA Today is delivered to your door each morning.

This program provides a very up-close view of life on Chincoteague Island, from the iconic pony herds to the historic life of people on the barrier islands to current topics like Wallops Island and aquaculture. The program includes local musicians, excellent seafood opportunities and time on one of the most beautiful national wildlife refuges. Well organized, packed with interesting speakers and sights.

A trip to see the 'Wild' ponies of Assateague/Chincoteague has been a want of mine for years. This wonderful Road Scholar trip was the perfect way to check-it-off it the list. We have been traveling since 2010 both in and out of the country and have gotten Lost, Argued...and asked each other "what do you want to do now?"
All of this was solved with our first Road Scholar Trip. The team knows the area, the places to eat, the history and someone Else does the driving ! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Wonderful shorter experience that combined education and the chance to see the Chincoteague Ponies! Really great instructors and Cindy is a fabulous leader. She made everyone feel heard, valued, and cared for. A memorable time spent with my parents and my sweetheart.